Rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and condemned alleged torture of a civilian by members of the Detective Branch (DB) of police in Pirojpur.
According to media reports, Md Yunus Fakir, supervisor of Pirojpur district police mess, was detained and subjected to “brutal physical torture” by DB personnel on suspicion of stealing money from the officer-in-charge of the Pirojpur district DB.
In a statement today (19 April), ASK alleged that the victim was beaten, given electric shocks and subjected to inhumane treatment, while pressure was exerted on his family to pay money.
The organisation said the reported incident represents not only a grave violation of human rights but also a serious abuse of state power.
ASK noted that Articles 31, 32 and 35(5) of the Constitution guarantee the rights to life, personal liberty and protection from torture. It also said the incident contravenes Bangladesh’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, as well as the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act 2013, which criminalises custodial torture.
Describing the incident as part of a broader pattern, ASK said such abuses reflect a culture of impunity and lack of accountability.
The organisation demanded immediate filing of cases against those involved under the 2013 law, along with prompt arrests and trial proceedings.
It also called for ensuring the victim’s safety and providing full medical treatment under state supervision, as well as compensation as a recognition of state responsibility.
ASK further stressed the need for stronger human rights training for law enforcement and a robust accountability framework to prevent recurrence.
